Two Wooden Betel Nut Mortars – Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea A rare pair of wooden mortars from the Trobriand Islands, traditionally used for preparing betel nut. These utilitarian objects are deeply rooted in daily and ceremonial life, where betel chewing plays an important social and ritual role. Carved from solid hardwood, each mortar shows a well-worn interior from long use, bearing the traces of repeated grinding of betel nut and lime. The exterior surfaces retain a strong tactile quality, shaped by hand rather than refined tools, reflecting the intimate relationship between object and user. In Trobriand culture, even everyday objects often carry a wider social meaning. Betel nut preparation is not only practical but also part of exchange, conversation, and hospitality—moments where community life unfolds. The pair forms a visually strong ensemble: simple in form, powerful in presence, and rich in ethnographic context. A fine example of functional island craftsmanship with cultural depth. We pack securely sending worldwide Alongside my passion for these unique cultural objects, I recently published my book Ik droomde dat je kwam, in which I describe personal encounters and experiences in Papua. The spirit of objects like this necklace lives on in those stories. Little damage, needs some resauration Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, NIEUWSTE BOEK VAN KOOS KNOL ‘Ik droomde dat je kwam’ Een prachtig en meeslepend boek vol verhalen over Papua, met een bijzondere mix van avontuur, cultuur en persoonlijke ontmoetingen. De auteur neemt je mee van Raja Ampat tot de Asmat, van Yapen tot de Vogelkop, in een warme en levendige vertelstijl. Inclusief fotokatern van Roy Villevoye. Prijs: €22,95 Gesigneerd exemplaar Kan worden meegezonden met de verzending, dus geen extra verzendkosten. Wordt het niet meegezonden, dan komt er €4,- bij. Google: Papua Blues en Ik droomde dat je kwam ( Uitgeverij Noordboek in Gorredijk.